Costa Teguise is a purpose built resort, developed during the early 1980´s under the aegis of island born artist and architect Cesar Manrique.
So there´s no colonial architecture or ancient historical sites to see.
But there are still quite a few places of interest that are worth taking in – especially for those who are interested in the work of Manrique. As he initially envisaged Costa Teguise as an up market beach resort – a sort of coastal cousin to the ancient island capital of Teguise.
Gran Melia Salinas Hotel
Manrique was responsible for designing the plush five star hotel, The Gran Melia Salinas, which at one stage was pretty much the only building here for miles around. And which is still regarded today as a blueprint for contemporary hotel architecture.
The Gran Melia first opened its doors in 1977 and was immediately voted one of the ten most beautiful hotels in the world.
It proved to be just the corner stone the fledgling resort required – and other developments and shops soon sprung up in order to service the growing number of tourist visiting the Gran Melia and Costa Teguise.
Even if you are not a guest it is well worth paying the hotel a visit. As it bears many hallmark Manrique touches that are in evidence at the other attractions he created on the island, such as the Jameos del Agua.
The Gran Melia is built around a central atrium – open to the elements – and dominated by an incredible, tropical indoor garden. Manrique paintings and murals are on show throughout the hotel and areas such as the main bar are open to the general public.
The Gran Melia Salinas is located on the Avenida de las Canarias at the northern end of the main beach at Las Cucharas.
See our map of Costa Teguise
The Pueblo Marinero
The Pueblo Marinero lies at the opposite end of Las Cucharas beach from the Gran Melia hotel and was also created under the direction of Manrique.
This attractive, white washed development was originally designed as a re-creation of a typical Lanzaroteño fishing village. With tightly packed little houses and apartments giving way to pretty central squares and plazas.
These days, the Pueblo Marinero is home to a large number of restaurants and bars (as well as both private and holiday accommodation) and the main square there (easily identifiable as it has a band stand in the middle) is a good place to head for if you are looking for somewhere a bit more atmospheric to enjoy a drink or a bit to eat in Costa Teguise.
The Villa La Mareta
Not so much a sight as just a place you hear about when you are staying in Costa Teguise, the Villa La Mareta is yet another Cesar Manrique creation – originally designed as an estate for the mega rich King Hussein of Jordan. Who subsequently gifted the property to the Spanish royal family.
Today, the Villa La Mareta is reserved for the exclusive use of visiting Spanish and foreign dignitaries. As a result it is essentially cordoned off to the public – so it is only possible to grab a glimpse from the coastal walkway paths that circumnavigate the house.
Attractions Nearby
Costa Teguise is the perfect base for exploring the islands key cultural attractions. All of the following are within a 15-20 minute drive of the resort.
Museum of International & Contemporary Art